I too elected that fool, Peretz
I had hoped Peretz would be the harbinger of the social revolution, but instead he joined the leaders of this botched war
Looking at the protest being conducted by the reserve soldiers, I find myself not fully understanding what it is they are protesting about. Is it because they didn't get enough water? Perhaps they didn’t get enough food? Perhaps it's because they weren't permitted to operate deeper inside Lebanon? That they didn't get enough training? That the orders weren't clear? That the air force didn't arrive on time?
What exactly are they protesting about? Pray do tell, don't hide behind general statements. You are not politicians; you are supposed to be truthful.
So much talk is coming out of your protest tent; but there is no single clear voice. I'm looking for an objection to the war itself, to this futile step that hurled us into such thoughtless, unnecessary turmoil – but alas I can't find one.
I'm looking for the painful outcry for the deaths of 34 of your comrades, killed after a decision for a ceasefire was already made – but I can't find one. I am trying to understand what happened on your part, but I am unable to. I am looking for an emotional call by those who experienced the foolishness of the war and the political process – but alas, I can't find one.
Instead, all that's being heard from the protest tent are insinuations of bad management and a callous personal demand: Olmert, Peretz and Halutz, go home. Now, even before a commission of inquiry.
Protest may not be void of political aspirations
This vague talk, along with personal conclusions, strengthens apprehensions voiced over the weekend that the protest is not void of political aspirations; as though someone from the right wing camp has taken control of the protest tent and is using it to his advantage.
In all honesty, it's strange for me to write this article berating the protestors. I opposed the second war in Lebanon right from the beginning; I wrote here, what a terrible mistake it was, I thought that our leaders had been struck blind and that we'd all have to pay the price.
I have no qualms about the guilt of these war mongers – Olmert, Peretz, and Halutz. I don't need a commission of inquiry to find out that they failed either. But it is particularly painful to witness the failure of Amir Peretz, and not only I because I also voted for him. I put my faith in him; I had hoped he would be the harbinger of the social revolution; however he chose to unite with the leaders of this botched war.
Nonetheless, I hope the cabinet led by Olmert and Peretz will survive the reserve soldiers' protest, the criticism in the media and the ugly Intifada rising from within the parties comprising the cabinet.
Not for the love of Mordechai
I am not doing this wholeheartedly, nor am I doing this out of the love of Mordechai so much as the hatred of Haman. I am supportive of Olmert and Peretz because I am fully aware of the alternative.
A government lead by Benjamin Netanyahu and Avigdor Liberman is already laying in wait, ready to take the helm. Those calling for the heads of Olmert and Peretz, will by their own doing bring us the next couple, who will set up a hawkish, anti-social government which will hinder any chance of a political process.
Such a government at such a sensitive time in the Middle East – with the strengthening of Iran, the problematic Hamas government, Hizbullah and Syria – could bring about a violent upheaval leading to a traumatic regional war whose consequences will be hard to predict.
Therefore, much to my frustration, I am finding myself writing this article in support of Olmert and Peretz. I am finding myself thinking that the punishment they deserve is not really due. All of a sudden I find myself hoping that they will survive this crisis. For this to happen, however, they would have to do something significant during their remaining term in office.
They will have to revive the political process with the Palestinian Authority and respond to the calls of peace coming from Syria. In addition, they should be reminded of the social assurances they gave prior to the elections and fulfill them.
Minimum wage? Do you remember, less than six month ago this was the hottest topic? Now's the time to fulfill these promises, and now means today, because tomorrow might be too late.
